A simple and lightweight new tab extension inspired by Backdrop (Ambient) on Chromecast.

Latest Version

Version
1.0.5
Update
October 24, 2023
Size
363KiB
Developer
rotd.be
Category
Users
81
Rating
5 ★
Manifest Version
3
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
Alarms
Storage
Geolocation
UnlimitedStorage
TopSites
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Backdrop (Ambient) Extension

Make your new tab more beautiful and more useful with the following features:

• New wallpaper every day
• Live weather for current location (°C/°F)
• Choose between grayscale and colored weather icons
• Lightweight, only the current image is stored on the device
• Most visited sites

The design of the extension is inspired by Backdrop (now Ambient/Daydream) on the Google Chromecast.
Users can choose to have the weather displayed with the original grayscale Backdrop icons or the new colorized Ambient icons.
We also try to keep the extension as lightweight as possible and thus do not include the wallpapers in the extension.

Weather and location data provided by Here.com
Wallpapers provided by Bing.com
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 3, "name": "Backdrop (Ambient)", "short_name": "Backdrop", "version": "1.0.5", "description": "A simple and lightweight new tab extension inspired by Backdrop (Ambient) on Chromecast.", "chrome_url_overrides": { "newtab": "blank.html" }, "icons": { "32": "img/logoBackdrop-32.png", "128": "img/logoBackdrop-128.png", "512": "img/logoBackdrop.png" }, "action": { "default_icon": "img/logoBackdrop-32.png" }, "author": "ROTD Apps", "homepage_url": "https://www.rotd.be/backdrop", "permissions": [ "alarms", "storage", "geolocation", "unlimitedStorage", "topSites" ], "host_permissions": [ "https://*.vandamme.io/*", "https://www.bing.com/*" ], "minimum_chrome_version": "88"}
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How to download and manually install Backdrop (Ambient) extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install Backdrop (Ambient) extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install Backdrop (Ambient) extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install Backdrop (Ambient) extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download Backdrop (Ambient) extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a Backdrop (Ambient) extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the Backdrop (Ambient) Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the Backdrop (Ambient) extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the Backdrop (Ambient) extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for Backdrop (Ambient) extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the Backdrop (Ambient) extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download Backdrop (Ambient) extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install Backdrop (Ambient) extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the Backdrop (Ambient) extension file

Select and download the Backdrop (Ambient) extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the Backdrop (Ambient) extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your Backdrop (Ambient) extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the Backdrop (Ambient) extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install Backdrop (Ambient) extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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User reviews

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Aloïs Ghyssaert (ID: 00000029387c844c) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 10/08/2017 I'm happy if found this, this should have more users.